The Manito Ahbee Festival is in its second day.

The festival, which celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, and music in Winnipeg, kicked off yesterday with a sacred fire lighting and a pipe ceremony. That took place at the Oodena Circle at The Forks.

Today, the Indigenous Music Conference is being held at the Delta Hotel. Still to come at the festival are: the Indigenous Music Awards, art expos, an international Pow Wow, a square-dance and jigging competition, a marketplace and trade show, and a youth education day.

Winning artists at the Indigenous Music Awards, which happen tomorrow night at Club Regent, will receive hand drums instead of trophies this year.

Yesterday's kick-off included the sacred fire lighting, a pipe ceremony, speeches, dancing and music.

David Blacksmith and his daughter Shoni made the drums. David says Shoni made most of them (19 out of 21). He considers the drums' inclusion an educational opportunity.

 

 

 

Blacksmith says it took about three weeks to make the drums.

The festival runs through Sunday.